A reminder that Town Assessor Heather Weinhold is hosting a seminar about property tax exemptions next Wednesday, January 28 at 11am at the Guilderland Public Library.    It is an opportunity to learn more about property exemptions, such as Star, Veterans, Senior Citizen, Disability, Solar, Agriculture, and Volunteer Firefighter.  The seminar takes place during Seniors Connect!, when seniors have friendly chats on current topics every Wednesday from 11am to 1 pm.    

Tax Assessor Weinhold also reminds property owners of important tax exemption information such as if you are a Senior Citizen (65 years of age or older by December 31, 2026), a person with a Physical Disability (Receiving Social Security Disability Award and other qualifying disabilities), or a Veteran, you may be entitled to a partial exemption on your property taxes.  The qualifying income limits for senior exemptions are $110,750 in 2024 income for the Enhanced Star Exemption and $58,400 in 2024 income for the Senior Exemption.  Eligible homeowners have until March 1, 2026 to apply for these exemptions.  If you have questions, please to do not hesitate to call ((518) 356-1980)) or stop by the Assessor’s office. 

The Hedge Bistro is the winter home for the Guilderland Farmers Market which takes place on Saturdays from 11am to 3pm.   Local vendors offer crafts, foods, and arts & craft gifts, and a special winter tulip market.  

The Highway Department trucks are still picking up discarded Christmas trees.  Please make sure to remove all ornaments, lights, decorations, tinsel, and don’t wrap the tree in plastic or other material, and do not discard artificial trees, no matter how real they may appear.  The Highway Department is also using a backhoe and dump truck to pick up accumulated leaf piles.  A reminder that Highway crews pick up leaf bags and tied brush year-round.  Please also remember that, except when allowed on posted street signs, that overnight parking is not permitted on Town roads until after April 1.  

Your opportunity to reserve pavilions, cabanas, and picnic areas at Tawasentha Park for the 2026 season has opened  To reserve a facility, residents must complete and submit the Request for Use of Facilities Form/ Know the Rules and provide full payment (credit card, check, or cash) to the Parks & Rec. Department. An Alcoholic Beverage, Beer & Wine Permit can be obtained for an additional fee. 

The Parks & Rec. Dept.’s 2026 Hometown Heroes Banner Program recognizes active duty and veteran service members, both living and deceased, for their bravery, courage, and sacrifice.  Each banner honors a current or former Guilderland serviceperson by name, branch of service, and photo.  The banners will be displayed at Tawasentha Park at a special event held at GPAC.  In late fall, the banners are made available to sponsors.  Banners may be sponsored by individuals, families, businesses or organizations at a cost of $150 per banner.  The deadline for applications is March 27, 2026.  If you have any questions regarding banners, please call the Parks & Rec Office at (518) 456-3150.

The Senior Services Department’s monthly newsletter has information about classes and seminars, upcoming trips, heating assistance program, medical and shopping transportation, a visiting author, fall crafts, legal aid, monthly meal calendar, games, and much more.  

The Town is also accepting letters of interest and resumes from candidates interested in applying for positions for Police Officer, Telecommunicator/911 Dispatcher, and Laborer positions in the Highway, Parks and Water Departments. 

Community Caregivers’ weekly first Lunchtime Chats of the new year takes place on next Wednesday, January 28, with Sleep First: Caring Better Starts With Rest. You can join the one-hour chats starting at 1pm by calling (518) 992-6661.  Community Caregivers is looking for volunteer drivers who can transport seniors for medical and other essential trips, and help keep our neighbors in their homes.   If you are interested or have questions, please contact Community Caregivers at info@communitycaregivers.org or by calling (518) 456-2898. 

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s winter calendar includes, on next Saturday, January 24 at 11am, Discover the Pine Bush at Karner Barrens, an opportunity for an authentic first-hand experience of the Preserve on an 0.9-mile hike when you can learn about how fire and ice shape the ecosystem and explore the unique diversity of life that depends on the pine barrens for its survival. Snowshoes will be provided if needed.  On Wednesday, February 4 at 7pm, the Preserve is offering volunteer online training for the Great Backyard Bird Count.  The virtual session will explain how to identify local species, use eBird to share your sightings, and get involved in the 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count.

On Friday, February 13 from 4pm to 7:30pm, the Preserve is hosting a Night at the Discovery Center, a special event with live local wildlife programs, re-enactors that bring historic exhibits alive, take home activity kit, and explore the exhibit The Nature of Texture.  This free special event will be held rain or shine and is a drop-in event. You're welcome to stop by anytime between 4pm and 7:30pm, with activities on-going throughout the evening. 

On Saturday, February 21 from 10am to 12:30pm, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is sponsoring Winter Wildlife Tracking at the Upper Bozen Kill Preserve at the end of Bond Road in Guilderland.  Dan Yacobellis, a certified track & sign facilitator, will share his decades of experience in winter tracking during a hike in the new preserve.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.  

Peter G. Barber

Town Supervisor